ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: January 2012

[maiapapaya]

IMHO - they have ruined the beautiful walk between the Polynesian and Grand Floridian with the new DVC they are slapping down on the beach. I have a very bitter attitude towards it after seeing what the BLT looked like. I would absolutely hate it if they brought a DVC to the Polynesian.

But perhaps that is just me.

I haven't been there since October, so haven't actually seen the site with anything more than just the construction walls. Hopefully when it is all done they will do some beautiful landscaping to blend the new build in and restore the walkway area. Just because there is something new there doesn't mean when they finish it won't look nice (she said hopefully ... )

 

[iRy]

Another question-

Because the resort doesn't have a hot tub and the spa at the GFH is closed, what alternative do hotel guests have for experiencing a hot tub?

 

[princssdisnygina]

Another question-

Because the resort doesn't have a hot tub and the spa at the GFH is closed, what alternative do hotel guests have for experiencing a hot tub?

Laying in the sun while spraying water on yourself? Or get a straw?

Or stay at the WL? or the CR?

 

[jennyjinx3]

Laying in the sun while spraying water on yourself? Or get a straw?

Or stay at the WL? or the CR?

 

[carlnix30]

Another question-

Because the resort doesn't have a hot tub and the spa at the GFH is closed, what alternative do hotel guests have for experiencing a hot tub?

At the end of the pool next to the slide there feed to the pool has fast moving water with a little ledge you can sit on. Not a hot tub but it does kind of relax back muscles. If you can handle it, get under the water fall. That is an intense muscle massage. I personally AVOID hot tubs. If they are not maintained properly they become a breeding ground for some nasty bacteria that can cause rashes, boils, and even flesh eating viruses! Not to mention what actions some might take in the middle of the night!
It really hard to keep the ph and chlorine levels correct with all the churning and heat of the water.

As far as info from Steve, Disney is infamous for making major plans then throwing it out to some contractors for estimates then deciding that it's not going to happen at that moment. Then rumors fly from all over the place.
Steve's info is correct at the time he posts it but things change at the drop of the hat at Disney (administratively)
One thing is for sure going to happen. The GCH will be getting major work. It MUST happen.
Starbucks will be coming to Disney and I hope it will be coming to captain cooks!

 

[kimberwee]

Called last night and placed my request fo 3rd Floor Fiji or 3rd Floor Samoa...: thanks to all of the great insight on this thread!!

Now just a couple of days left until we check in online!!

 

[HiHoOffWeGo]

Earlier in this thread Carl and I touched on the rumor. Some information I heard talked about time frame, which was fall 2013 but to what extent of a project? Who among us knows? I believe if this comes to pass, Disney will make an eye popping renovation. I can't wait to see how they are to keep the POLY open when this all goes on. Remember, this is but a RUMOR! (Now WDW would not start a rumor to float a balloon. Would they?).

 

[BreezysMom]

At the end of the pool next to the slide there feed to the pool has fast moving water with a little ledge you can sit on. Not a hot tub but it does kind of relax back muscles. If you can handle it, get under the water fall. That is an intense muscle massage. I personally AVOID hot tubs. If they are not maintained properly they become a breeding ground for some nasty bacteria that can cause rashes, boils, and even flesh eating viruses! Not to mention what actions some might take in the middle of the night!
It really hard to keep the ph and chlorine levels correct with all the churning and heat of the water.

!

Hey Strangers

Today is our ADR day! I am just awaiting the coveted email

Carl, I would like to thank you for the early morning gross out I too am not a fan of communal hot tubs because of all the same reasons you stated.

I agree that DVC is coming to the Poly and the GCH needs to be refurbed or torn down and start from scratch. I am an avid walker/explorer of the resort and there truly is plenty of room to add a DVC. We will just have to wait and see. As we know from the GF, they won't even make an announcement prior to construction starting. I have been off the DIS for a while, but have they even made an announcement yet about GF DVC? Only time will tell. Maybe in October we will know something

Any way, I hope everyone is well

Happy Planning

 

[carlnix30]

Hey Strangers

Today is our ADR day! I am just awaiting the coveted email

Carl, I would like to thank you for the early morning gross out I too am not a fan of communal hot tubs because of all the same reasons you stated.

I agree that DVC is coming to the Poly and the GCH needs to be refurbed or torn down and start from scratch. I am an avid walker/explorer of the resort and there truly is plenty of room to add a DVC. We will just have to wait and see. As we know from the GF, they won't even make an announcement prior to construction starting. I have been off the DIS for a while, but have they even made an announcement yet about GF DVC? Only time will tell. Maybe in October we will know something

Any way, I hope everyone is well

Happy Planning

Your very welcome! A lot of people don't realize what awaits them when crawling into that Red Roof Inn hot tub!

Welcome back breezy poly FAQ hasn't been the same without you!

 

[maiapapaya]

ADR day here too! Gotta take those scraps that make the trip seem closer any way we can!

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

204charity If you are looking for a more budget friendly stay--CSR is a great alternative. Beautiful resort, lots of food choices, good bus service, GREAT pools, and lovely rooms. I would recommend to stay there as long as there are no food allergies in your family--a real language barrier/lack of urgency with staff given it is not operated by Disney(my experience only--no flames plz). We stayed there in Oct on free dining and it was half of cost of Poly.

TOTALLY agree with Carl and Teri on the hot tub thing. They totally gross me out and I am thankful the Poly does not have one. That means I am not constantly telling the kids "no, you can't go in there" and fielding the constant "why nots?"......"because I said so. It is icky in there." Something about hot tubs just scream infection to me. I know lots of people love em and I will not be taking there space.


I am torn on the whole Poly reno rumours. I know it is an eventuallity so I am already preparing myself to accept it. The GCH needs it terribly--the vibrations on the second floor kinda freak me out--but I hope they keep the whole natural tropical luxe the GCH currently has. My hope is that it will have the feel of Aulani without being high rise. I would hope they would keep all the buildings at or under 5 stories high....sorta like the GF. I may be in the minority but I do not like the look of BLT in shape or height. It just doesn't flow with the CR and it looks awkward(sp?).

 

[maiapapaya]

I actually like the look of the tower they had over the GCH in the original resort concept drawing allears has & Steve posted on his FB page.

I think something like that could work without ruining the look & vibe of the rest of the resort. I think Poly DVC is a guaranteed sell-out at a premium for WDW and there is no way that they will pass up the opportunity. They just need to figure out the best way to get it done and hopefully not mess up the charm of the resort in doing so.

Better start saving our pennies now ...

 

[osugal]

What's the earliest I can book Polynesian for October 2013? If I'm already booked do you think I'll be less likely to receive a pin for 2013? Thx!

 

[maiapapaya]

What's the earliest I can book Polynesian for October 2013? If I'm already booked do you think I'll be less likely to receive a pin for 2013? Thx!

I think you can book for 2013 once the rates are released in August (I think that's usually when they come out). My sister has often received multiple pins after booking, so making a reservation shouldn't decrease your chances (although I never get any! ) I don't think they are sending out as many pins as they used to, but you can keep an eye out for public discounts too. They can be applied after you've already made a reservation, providing the resort still has rooms left for that particular rate.

 

[AlohaLily]

I haven't been there since October, so haven't actually seen the site with anything more than just the construction walls. Hopefully when it is all done they will do some beautiful landscaping to blend the new build in and restore the walkway area. Just because there is something new there doesn't mean when they finish it won't look nice (she said hopefully ... )

I guess the reason why I already don't like the GF DVC is because i've seen what the walkway between the GF and Poly looked like and it was so beautiful, you could see Main Street if you stood by the wedding pavilion. They have so many other places they could build a DVC, but why there.

In terms of a DVC coming to the Poly, i'm not sure because the new DVC would be in the space between the Poly and GF so maybe it would be a DVC combined for both (although I know the DVC would be on the GF property).

 

[204charity]

204charity If you are looking for a more budget friendly stay--CSR is a great alternative. Beautiful resort, lots of food choices, good bus service, GREAT pools, and lovely rooms. I would recommend to stay there as long as there are no food allergies in your family--a real language barrier/lack of urgency with staff given it is not operated by Disney(my experience only--no flames plz). We stayed there in Oct on free dining and it was half of cost of Poly.

TOTALLY agree with Carl and Teri on the hot tub thing. They totally gross me out and I am thankful the Poly does not have one. That means I am not constantly telling the kids "no, you can't go in there" and fielding the constant "why nots?"......"because I said so. It is icky in there." Something about hot tubs just scream infection to me. I know lots of people love em and I will not be taking there space.

CSR? Not sure what this is - but I will sure look into it! Thanks for the suggestion. I do think we will probably look into points for the BLT too. I know for sure my DH would LOVE the views and the monorail convenience. Also being able to just walk to the MK would make DD freak out!!

I am also in the NO hot tub minority. I know someone personally who contracted MRSA in a hot tub.

 

[Carrie772]

Welcome back breezy poly FAQ hasn't been the same without you!

I agree!

I am torn on the whole Poly reno rumours. I know it is an eventuallity so I am already preparing myself to accept it. The GCH needs it terribly--the vibrations on the second floor kinda freak me out--but I hope they keep the whole natural tropical luxe the GCH currently has.

I understand about the vibrations! Our (newer) mall in Huntsville has a second story and there are specific places you can stand and feel those vibrations as well. I try to keep it from bothering me. I wonder if it's a large building thing?

 

[mfulk]

We stayed in Rapa Nui twice. First trip the kids were 3, 6, and 9. Just a couple of minutes to walk to the TTC, about 5 minutes to get to the GCH. Realistically, 10 minutes or less to get to either one of those places. It was a really convenient location for us since we wanted to be close to the TTC...doesn't get any closer than Rapa Nui Hope you have a great trip!

~~Oops, and sorry, Volcano Pool takes as long as it does to get to the GCH. Coming from Rapa Nui, it'll be right before you get to the GCH!

Thank you!

 

[mfulk]

Congrats on choosing the Poly. Our children USED to be small--lol--so I can take a stab at this. From Rapa Nui to both the GCH and the Volcano pool should take about 4-5 minutes. From Rapa Nui to the TTC will be a little shorter but you still have to walk up to the Epcot monorail once you are there(assuming that is your main reason for asking.) So from room to Epcot monorail platform would be about 5-7 minutes. Have fun!

Thank you!

 

[taylor3297]

DH and I just decided tonight that we are going to the Poly and staying CL in September 2013. How am I going to last that long??? What's the earliest I can book? And, if I book before pins come out for 2013 am I less likely to get one? First Poly stay!!!

You should be able to book in August. We are also going in September of 2013 and staying CL.

On our last big family trip in December of 2010, we booked in August of 2009. Also we received a pin code the following March. All of the GV CL level rooms that were availabe with the pin were taken so, instead we were able to upgrade to TPV and add 2 nights for the same price as what we were paying for our original GV CL.